Step activated sound producing toy

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to children&#39;s sound producing toys. More specifically, to a device that produces a sound each time a step is detected as the person walks, runs or jumps.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent claims priority on the provisional application having Ser. No. 60/647,972, filed Jan. 31, 2005, entitled “Step Activated Sound Producing Toy”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to children's toys and more specifically, to a child's toy that is activated by a step and produces a sound(s).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children of all ages enjoy playing with toys and virtually all children at some time include toys that make sounds in their play preferences. Children enjoy toys that have effects such as loud or funny sounds or visual effects (e.g. flashing LEDs). Combinations of these effects increase the enjoyment of the toy.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,794 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,975 to Rodgers discloses an “acceleration responsive illuminated footwear switch” that is integral to a shoe that when activated triggers a sub-circuit that emits light or sound. Rodgers does not incorporate the “exchangeability” and “independent nature” of all the embodiments described here in. It is integral to footwear.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,088 to Chien discloses “flashing footwear light module” that is integral to a shoe that when activated triggers a sub-circuit that emits light. Chien does not incorporate the “exchangeability” and “independent nature” of all the embodiments described here in. It is integral to footwear.

Other toys are available in the market that generate sound alone or in combination with flashing lights. However, a need exists to provide a toy that generates a sound that is triggered by the stepping action. Preferably still, the toy should electronically control the sequences of events. The present invention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Synchronization of the sound(s) with the steps is desirable since it improves the realism and hence the play value of such toys. Making the toy look like the object that makes the sound(s) will increase the enjoyment of the toy. Additionally, the sound(s) may be synchronized with a LED(s) to provide more stimuli for the child to enjoy. Having exchangeable components also increases the enjoyment of the toy.

In one preferred embodiment, the invention produces a sound each time a step is detected as the child walks, runs or jumps. One object of the invention is to allow the child to select the sound that will be produced by the player. One object of the invention is to have a cover that is a visual enhancement to the player. This will increase the appeal of the toy to the child. Cover examples include cars, animals, and cartoon characters.

In one preferred embodiment the invention is a fully integrated unit. It consists of three major components: the player, the cover, and the sound file. The sound is produced every time the player detects a step. Example A: The cover has a picture of a plunger. Every step produces a suction sound. Example B: The cover is shaped like a dog. Every step produces a bark sound. Example C: The cover is shaped like a cartoon character. Every step produces that characters voice sound.

In another preferred embodiment the invention is a fully integrated unit capable of producing a selected sound from a library of sounds. An example: The cover is shaped as a barn. Every step produces a cow sound. The child presses a button. Now every step produces a horse sound. Each time the child presses the button, the next sound in the library is produced with each detected step.

In another preferred embodiment the invention is a unit with exchangeable covers. An example: An exchangeable red cover is attached to the player. The child replaces it with a blue cover for a new look.

In another preferred embodiment the invention is a unit with sounds integrated into the covers. An example: A player has an exchangeable cover that looks like an elephant. The player makes elephant sounds when the step is detected. The child removes the elephant cover, and replaces it with a car cover. Now the player produces car sounds.

In another preferred embodiment the invention is a unit with exchangeable sound media. Example: The player produces sounds from “Movie A”. The child exchanges the media containing the “Movie A” sounds with the “Movie B” media. Now the player produces “Movie B” sounds.

In another preferred embodiment the invention is a unit with replaceable sounds. Example: The player produces train sounds. The invention interfaces with a computer. The child chooses airplane sounds. Now the player produces airplane sounds.

In another preferred embodiment the invention is a unit with fully exchangeable components. Both the sounds and covers are exchangeable. Example The player is shaped like an egg. The cover is shaped like a duck. An interface between the cover and player is a tapered peg and hole style. The sound media is a secure digital media card with duck sounds. The interface between the player and sound media is defined in the secure digital media card standards. The invention looks like a duck and makes duck sounds. A second cover is shaped like a bell. The duck cover is exchanged for the bell cover. With this configuration, the invention can look like bell, and make duck sounds. By exchanging components, it is also possible to look like a bell and make bell sounds, or to look like a duck and make bell sounds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific apparatus, system, examples and instrumentalities disclosed.

FIG. 1—Block Diagram—Component Introduction

FIG. 2—Block Diagram—Fully Integrated Unit

FIG. 3—Block Diagram—Exchangeable Covers

FIG. 4—Block Diagram—Sound Integrated into Exchangeable Covers

FIG. 5—Block Diagram—Exchangeable sounds

FIG. 6—Block Diagram—Exchangeable sounds and covers

FIG. 7—Block Diagram—Sound media interfaces with exchangeable cover

FIG. 8—Block Diagram—Electronic System—Components and interfaces

FIG. 9—Cad Drawing—Exchangeable sounds with integrated cover and player

FIG. 10—Cad Drawing—Internal components

FIG. 11—Cad Drawing—Front and Back ISO Views

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This complex system is better understood by illustrating the major components and interfaces in block diagrams.

FIG. 1: Pictorial representation of the following preferred embodiments in block diagram form. In one preferred embodiment, the sound media 1 stores the sound file(s). In one preferred embodiment, the player 2 comprises a speaker, a processor, a power source and a printed circuit board with supporting electronics. In one preferred embodiment the cover 3 gives the toy aesthetic appeal. In one preferred embodiment one or more major components are combined into an assembly 4 that is not to be disassembled by the child. In one preferred embodiment, an interface 5 exists allowing the child the ability to connect and separate two of the major components.

FIG. 2: In one preferred embodiment, the toy is only one assembly 6. The sound media 7, the player 8 and the cover 9 are combined into one assembly 6.

FIG. 3: In one preferred embodiment, the player 10 and sound media 11 are integrated into an assembly 12. The assembly 12 has an interface 13 allowing cover(s) 14 to be exchangeable.

FIG. 4: In one preferred embodiment, the cover 15 and sound media 16 are integrated into an assembly 17. The assembly 17 has an interface 18 allowing exchangeability with the player 19.

FIG. 5: In another preferred embodiment, the player 20 and cover 21 are integrated into an assembly 22. The assembly 22 has an interface 23 allowing the sound media 24 to be exchangeable.

FIG. 6: In another preferred embodiment, the player 25 has an interface 26 allowing the covers(s) 27 to be exchangeable. The player also has a second interface 28 allowing the sound media 29 to be exchangeable.

FIG. 7: In another preferred embodiment, the player 30 has an interface 31 with the exchangeable cover(s) 32. These cover(s) 32 also have an interface 33 for the sound media 34.

FIG. 8: In one preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a processor 35, a sensor 36, a sound media 37, a speaker 38, LED(s) 39 and controls 40. One object of the invention is to produce a sound through the speaker 38 when the sensor 36 detects that a step has been taken. In one preferred embodiment, the sensor 36 detects a step and signals the processor 35 of this event through an interface 41. In one preferred embodiment, the processor 35 accesses the sound file through an interface 42 to the sound media 37. In one preferred embodiment, the processor 35 controls the speaker 38 though an interface 43 to produce the sound. In one preferred embodiment the processor 35 signals the LED(s) 39 to blink through interface 44. In one preferred embodiment, the processor 35 monitors the signals from the controls 40 through an interface 45.

Controls: There are a plethora of controls available. Examples are buttons, switches and touch screens. In one preferred embodiment, a control will allow the child to select the sound produced. In one preferred embodiment, the control will allow the child to control the volume of the sound produced.

Interfaces: There are a plethora of electrical interfaces readily available. Several examples include contact pads, wireless protocols such as Bluetooth™, and USB.

Sensors: There are a plethora of sensors available that can be utilized to detect the step. Accelerometers, spring switches, proximity sensors, as well as mechanical switches are a few examples.

Sound media: A plethora of sound media is also available. The sound files can be stored in FLASH or ROM memory chips, hard drives, compact flash cards, secure digital cards. In one preferred embodiment, these devices are integrated into a mechanical structure.

FIG. 9: In a preferred embodiment, the player and cover are integrated into an assembly 46 that resembles a foot. The assembly 46 has an interface 47 allowing the sound media 48 to be exchangeable.

FIG. 10: In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a control button 49, a printed circuit board 50, a processor 51, a speaker 52, a sensor 53, and a sound media 54. The printed circuit board interfaces the components with the processor.

FIG. 11: The assembly 57 view from the front. The assembly 56 viewed from the back. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly 56 comprises a clip 55 allowing flexibility for attaching the device to clothing or other apparel.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate the invention, that others may by current or future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under the various conditions of service. 

1. A step activated sound producing device, comprising: a player; a cover; and sound file(s), whereby the invention produces a sound each time a step is detected. 